"Through humor, you can soften some of the worst blows that life delivers. And once you find laughter, no matter how painful your situation might be, you can survive it." -Bill Cosby
I sometimes think that I would have gone crazy years ago if were not for the presence of humor in my life. One of the gifts I have discovered in my life is the ability to find humor even in the saddest of times. My wife often remarks how I laugh out loud at TV shows (even the so-called dramatic ones) - sometimes the writers of these shows paint life in ways that really amuse and resonate with me. I think that stories we relate to can be the most humorous.
I love this image of Jesus laughing. A few weeks ago one of the folks at our Thursday night small group brought up the idea of Jesus kidding around with his disciples and poking fun at them. She suggested that perhaps he was smiling when he chided them for the lack of their faith. I love that image of the Lord. It stands in stark contrast to the scowling Jesus that is often presented at the movies. It also gives us permission to lighten up about faith.
What makes you laugh out loud? How has humor helped you get through difficult times?
Since I'm surrounded by toddlers, I often wonder what Jesus was like as a baby. Since my kids have been both easy and difficult at certain ages and through certain milestones. Did Jesus have a terrible two's. Did his mother ever have to discipline him. Did he sleep through the night. If so, at what age....
ReplyDeletePerhaps the scripture is silent on these areas for a reason Scott? :)
DeleteLaughter is healing.
ReplyDeleteThe theme of the conference our church just had was Head, Heart and Humor. There were 200 churches from 8 states and 3 overseas churches represented. This was a Pastors and Leadership conference. Our Pastor feels we don't laugh enough and that Those in leadership need it desperately.
We had several comedians and a full fledged after hours comedy night. It felt so good to laugh!!
I always told my boys that if they could laugh at themselves and see the humor in life, it could defuse many difficult situations.
I believe they have put that into practice to become the Godly men they are today.
Great thoughts Sue. I think that laughing at myself is a somewhat perpetual exercise. :)
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